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SEATAC, King County, Wash., Nov. 2, 2026 — Two people were hurt on Sunday night, November 1, when a suspected drunk driver slammed into an unmarked Washington State Patrol vehicle on southbound Interstate 5 near SR-516.
The patrol said the crash happened in the far right lane, lane five of five, of southbound I-5 just north of SR-516. A car was headed south in that lane when it struck the unmarked WSP vehicle, which was stopped with its emergency lights on. That impact pushed the patrol vehicle into a third car that was also stopped nearby. All three vehicles came to rest blocking the lane, and the trooper driving the WSP vehicle and the driver of the third car were out of their vehicles on the left shoulder at the time, the agency reported.
The driver of the first vehicle, identified by the patrol as 21-year-old Aiden Watson, was not hurt. Watson was arrested on suspicion of DUI and charged with vehicular assault, troopers said. Two passengers in Watson's car were taken to Harborview Medical Center with injuries that have not been detailed. The two occupants of the third vehicle were not injured. The patrol said it has determined impaired driving caused the crash.
The official who was driving the unmarked patrol vehicle has not been identified. All three vehicles were considered total losses, according to the patrol, and the lane closure lasted roughly three hours and 44 minutes while crews cleared the scene. The investigation remains open.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Intersection Crashes in Washington
This multi-vehicle crash happened at Interstate 5 and SR-516 in SeaTac, WA. Our Washington intersections page covers intersection crashes across Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I think a driver near me is impaired?
Keep your distance, avoid trying to pass or signal the driver, and call 911 with your location and a description of the vehicle so authorities can respond.
Why do impaired-driving crashes tend to cause more serious injuries?
Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and impair judgment, so impaired drivers usually fail to brake or steer away before impact, which increases crash speed and force.
Can drugs other than alcohol affect driving?
Yes. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances can all slow reflexes, impair coordination, or cause drowsiness behind the wheel.
What are some signs of an impaired driver on the road?
Watch for swerving, inconsistent speed, delayed braking, driving without headlights at night, or drifting between lanes.
